Space Shuttle Challenger - SOLD 8.18" Flown Compression Washer
Space Shuttle Challenger - SOLD 8.18" Flown Compression Washer
Across 30 years, the Space Shuttle program launched dozens of flights of its five orbiters, writing a new chapter in the history of space exploration. During these missions, astronauts ran experiments, made astronomical observations, launched satellites, and performed other tasks in pursuit of knowledge of outer space. Challenger was the second space shuttle in the fleet; during its career, Challenger conducted ten missions that included spacewalks and running experiments with Spacelab, before the shuttle's destruction in 1986.
This specimen is a compression washer from the space shuttle Challenger, serial number v072-565246-001, measuring 8.18". The washer was removed after STS-7, the orbiter's second mission, as part of regular maintenance. Washers like these were used to secure bolts tightly against the orbiter's tanks.
The Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) was the second Space Shuttle to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford.
This specimen is a compression washer installed on Challenger, replaced in between missions. It comes complete with a certificate of authenticity. In addition to this specimen from Challenger, we have even more NASA items from the Space Shuttle program in the collection below.
Special Handling Notice: testing indicates the presence of lead in these items, so they should be handled carefully. Please wear latex or nitrile gloves when handling and wash your hands afterwards.
Lead is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
More about the Space Shuttle Program and Challenger (OV-099)
Above: The first launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-6, April 4, 1983). (Source Department of Defense image DF-SC-84-01865)
NASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with Columbia's inaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with Atlantis' final mission in 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA.
📸 Challenger hitches a ride on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), NASA 905. The ferry flight took the orbiter to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its first launch. (NASA Image EC82-21135 July 4, 1982)
The Space Shuttle Challenger was the second of the space shuttles in the program to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford. However, despite Challenger’s many achievements, it is remembered in history for its tragic final flight.
STS-51L: THE TRAGIC END OF CHALLENGER AND HER CREW
Above: STS-51L crew members Michael J. Smith, front row left, Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, Ronald E. McNair; Ellison S. Onizuka, back row left, S. Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Judith A. Resnik. (NASA Image S85-44253 November, 1985)
On January 28, 1986, Challenger began its final flight (STS-51L), disintegrating 73 seconds after takeoff. The explosion was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in the shuttle’s rocket booster, which allowed pressurized gas to burn through to the booster's fuel tank. This horrific event ended with the deaths of all onboard crew members, which led to a brief suspension of shuttle flights and an overhaul of both the program itself and NASA's organizational structure.
Each year, NASA holds a Day of Remembrance to honor those who lost their lives while furthering the space exploration. We welcome you to visit their site to learn more about men and women of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia. For a deeper view on Challenger and STS-51L, we recommend John Uri's 2021 touching retrospective of the crew on the 35th anniversary of the disaster: " 35 Years Ago: Remembering Challenger and Her Crew".
Mini Museum Space Shuttle Fleet Bundle: Complete the Fleet!
Mini Museum Space Shuttle Fleet Bundle: Complete the Fleet!
Further Reading
McDonald, Allan J., and James R. Hansen. Truth, Lies, and O-rings: inside the space shuttle challenger disaster. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2009.
Vaughan, Diane. The Challenger launch decision: Risky technology, culture, and deviance at NASA. University of Chicago Press, 1996.
Burgess, Colin. Teacher in space: Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger legacy. U of Nebraska Press, 2000.
Lamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. "Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar." Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.
PITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. "Ceramic insulation/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft." 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.
Linton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. "Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets." LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).
Harris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. "Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program." 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.
Jenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.
Jenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.
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